How to Layer Sounds on the Keyboard

Layering or blending two sounds together creates a wonderful, rich sound on the keyboard. Think of the sound of acoustic piano blended with some warm strings; it’s the perfect sound for playing a sensitive pop ballad. Combining a pipe organ with some vocal choir sounds gives you just the right blend for praise and worship music.

Some products call layering Dual Mode or Dual Voice Mode. It simply means you’re playing more than one sound at a time.

If your keyboard has dedicated sound name buttons like Grand Piano 1, Electric Piano, Pipe Organ, Strings, and so on, you may be able to easily layer two of them together. Try this method commonly found on digital pianos and stage pianos:

Press and hold a piano sound button.

Now press another sound button.

Release both buttons and play the keyboard.

If your keyboard has this feature, you’ll hear both sounds layered together.

Another common approach is to have a dedicated Layer button. Look at the front panel of your keyboard; if you have this feature, try these steps:

Select a sound you want to use as the foundation.

Press the Layer button.

Information then comes up on the display to guide you in choosing the second sound you want to layer with the first sound.

Use your product’s sound selection/navigation method to find a second desired sound.

Select it for the layered element.

Play the keyboard and enjoy.

Finally, some keyboards have dedicated buttons for Parts, Zones, or Layers. These buttons are usually labeled Zone 1–4, Upper 1⁄2 / Lower 1⁄2, or Part 1–4. By turning on and off different combinations of these buttons, you can add layers to your keyboard setup. This feature is most commonly found in arranger keyboards and more-advanced stage pianos/controllers.